Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah
Indians called Cedar Breaks the "Circle of Painted Cliffs," and when you see it you immediately know why. The area is a 3 mile wide limestone amphitheater eroded to a depth of 2,500 feet. From the rim, at a breathtaking altitude of almost 10,000 feet, the slope falls steeply away into a world of jagged walls, towering spires, columns, and arches. The purples, yellows, and reds tinting the formations are caused by mineral oxides in the rocks. The name was coined by early settlers; "Cedar" from trees growing in the area, and "Breaks" as the descriptive term given to badlands in general.
Photo tip: This shot was made from the rim near the visitor center. Though it was the middle of the day, the lighting was constantly shifting due to storm clouds moving over at a brisk pace. I got a good photo despite being nearly blown off my perch by 50 mph winds and persevering through a wind chill that was below freezing. If you really want the shot, you can get it!
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